Bath for Europe turns out for Bristol’s #StopBrexit regional rally

Bath for Europe showed its always spirited support for the EU at the South West & Gibraltar Regional Rally hosted by Bristol for Europe on 14th October. Organisers estimate that the rally drew 2,000 protestors. The rally was one of 12 taking place across the country as part of the Autumn of Discontent.

Many of the Bath contingent travelled to Bristol by train, then walked to Queen Square to assemble for the march to College Green. The upbeat march brought together numerous pro-European groups as well as local political groups. With EU flags, banners, the Union Jack and regional flags held high, the marchers made their way through the centre of Bristol.

Bristol for Europe put together a fantastic array of speakers from across the political and activist spectrum, all united by a common aim: to stop the disaster posed by Brexit. We heard rousing speeches from Green MEP Molly Scott Cato, Labour MEP Claire Moody and Conservative MEP Julie Girling, Bristol Labour MPs Darren Jones, Thangam Debbonaire and Kerry McCarthy and Bath MP Wera Hobhouse. There were moving speeches by Paul Cartwright of Gibraltar for EU and Veronique Miles and Elena Rimigi who are behind the book InLimbo, a collection of stories gathered from EU nationals living in the UK amidst growing uncertainty. Noted activist Dr Mike Galsworthy of Scientists for EU sported his new Bath Beret. Thomas Haynes, Youth Officer for Stroud Labour, aged 17, was the youngest speaker, representing those who were too young to vote in the Referendum.

The view from the stage on College Green, Bristol. Photo Mick Yates at mickyatesphotography.com.

Big thanks to all our friends and neighbours at Bristol for Europe for hosting and organising this event for our entire region. And thanks to Bath for Europe supporters who promoted the event, who turned up, carried our flags and banners, stewarded the marchers, took photos, sold our sought-after berets, helped backstage and rattled collection buckets.